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Aluminum Diet on Tap for Next Mercedes C-Class?
Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit is working with suppliers to reduce the weight of future models by developing advanced component joining technologies to optimize material usage, including aluminum.
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Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit is working with suppliers to reduce the weight of future models by developing advanced component joining technologies to optimize material usage, including aluminum.
The next-generation C-Class, which is expected to launch early next decade, will employ a variety of bonding, laser-welding and riveting processes, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International CEO Jason Hoff tells attendees at this week’s Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Mich. One of the technologies being explored, he says, is welding steel to aluminum.
Variances in melting temperatures and other differences make it challenging to combine steel and aluminum. But there have been few recent cross-material welding applications, Automotive News points out. Among them are the subframe component on the Honda Accord and a steel seat frame bracket on General Motors’ new aluminum-intensive Cadillac CT6 flagship sedan.
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